Operating device for human-powered vehicle

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic operating device is provided for a human-powered vehicle. The hydraulic operating device basically includes a base, an operating member and a handlebar mounting structure. The base including a handlebar contact portion. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base about a pivot axis between a rest position and an operated position. The handlebar mounting structure is coupled to the base. The handlebar mounting structure defines a handlebar mounting axis that extends linearly along a handlebar in a mounted state. The handlebar mounting structure includes a clamp band, a bracket and a tightening member. The bracket is separate from the base. The tightening member adjustably couples the bracket relative to the clamp band. The bracket has a handlebar contact surface. The bracket is moved relative to the clamp band upon adjustment of the tightening member.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to an operating device for ahuman-powered vehicle such as a bicycle.

Background Information

Human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) are typically provided withoperating systems that allow the rider to control an operation of thehuman-powered vehicle. These operating systems include an operatingdevice which the rider operates to control the operation of thehuman-powered vehicle. For example, the human-powered vehicle includes abrake system that has an operating device. The brake system is used toslow down and/or stop the human-powered vehicle in response to operationof the operating device. The brake system of the human-powered vehiclecan be an electrical brake system, a mechanical brake system or ahydraulic brake system. In the case of a hydraulic brake system, theoperating device is a hydraulic operating (actuating) device that isfluidly connected to a hydraulic operated device by a hydraulic hose.The hydraulic operated device is hydraulically controlled by hydraulicfluid flowing through the hydraulic hose in response to an operation ofthe hydraulic operating device. For example, in the case of a hydraulicbrake system, a brake caliper (i.e., the hydraulic operated device) ishydraulically controlled by hydraulic fluid flowing through thehydraulic hose in response to an operation of a brake lever of thehydraulic operating device. In particular, the operation of the brakelever forces hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic hose to the brakecaliper. The hydraulic fluid then moves one of more pistons to cause thebrake pads to squeeze a brake rotor that is attached to a hub of abicycle wheel.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of anoperating device for a human-powered vehicle such as a bicycle. The term“human-powered vehicle” as used herein refers to a vehicle that can bedriven by at least human driving force, but does not include a vehicleusing only a driving power other than human power. In particular, avehicle solely using an internal combustion engine as a driving power isnot included in the human-powered vehicle. The human-powered vehicle isgenerally assumed to be a compact, light vehicle that does not require alicense for driving on a public road. The number of wheels on thehuman-powered vehicle is not limited. The human-powered vehicleincludes, for example, a monocycle and a vehicle having three or morewheels. The human-powered vehicle includes, for example, various typesof bicycles such as a mountain bike, a road bike, a city bike, a cargobike, and a recumbent bike, and an electric assist bicycle (E-bike).

In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with afirst aspect of the present disclosure, an operating device is providedfor a human-powered vehicle in which the operating device basicallycomprises a base, an operating member and a handlebar mountingstructure. The base including a handlebar contact portion. The operatingmember is pivotally coupled to the base about a pivot axis between arest position and an operated position. The handlebar mounting structureis coupled to the base. The handlebar mounting structure defines ahandlebar mounting axis that extends linearly along a handlebar in amounted state in which the base is mounted to the handlebar by thehandlebar mounting structure. The handlebar mounting structure includesa clamp band, a bracket and a tightening member. The bracket is separatefrom the base. The tightening member adjustably couples the bracketrelative to the clamp band. The bracket has a handlebar contact surface.The bracket is moved relative to the clamp band upon adjustment of thetightening member.

With the operating device according to the first aspect, it is possibleto easily and reliably mount the operating device to a handlebar.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the first aspect is configured so that thehandlebar contact surface includes a first contact surface and a secondcontact surface separated from the first contact surface in an axialdirection that is parallel to the handlebar mounting axis.

With the operating device according to the second aspect, it is possibleto easily stabilize the handlebar mounting structure with respect to thehandlebar.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the first or second aspect is configuredso that the bracket is configured to be coupled to at least one otherdevice.

With the operating device according to the third aspect, it is possibleto easily attach at least one other device to the handlebar using thesame handlebar mounting structure.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, anoperating device is provided for a human-powered vehicle in which theoperating device basically comprises a base, an operating member and ahandlebar mounting structure. The base includes a handlebar contactportion having a first handlebar abutment and a second handlebarabutment. The second handlebar abutment is separated and spaced from thefirst handlebar abutment. The operating member is pivotally coupled tothe base about a pivot axis between a rest position and an operatedposition. The handlebar mounting structure is coupled to the base. Thehandlebar mounting structure defines a handlebar mounting axis thatextends linearly along a flat-type handlebar in a mounted state in whichthe base is mounted to the handlebar by the handlebar mountingstructure.

With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, it is possibleto easily stabilize the base with respect to a handlebar.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the fourth aspect is configured so thatthe handlebar mounting structure is arranged between the first handlebarabutment and the second handlebar abutment.

With the operating device according to the fifth aspect, it is possibleto provide a relatively compact profile.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the fourth or fifth aspect is configuredso that the second handlebar abutment is separated from the firsthandlebar abutment in an axial direction that is parallel to thehandlebar mounting axis.

With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possibleto reliably stabilize the base with respect to a handlebar.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects isconfigured so that the handlebar mounting structure is adjustablycoupled to the base.

With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, it ispossible to appropriately adjust the position of the mounting structurewith respect to the handlebar.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the seventh aspect is configured so thatthe base has a guide extending in the axial direction, and the handlebarmounting structure is adjustably coupled to the guide in an axialdirection parallel to the handlebar mounting axis.

With the operating device according to the eighth aspect, it is possibleto easily adjust an axial position of the mounting structure along thehandlebar.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the seventh or eighth aspect is configuredso that the handlebar mounting structure is adjustably coupled to thebase around the handlebar mounting axis.

With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, it is possibleto easily adjust an angular position of the mounting structure aroundthe handlebar.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to any one of the first to third aspects isconfigured so that the handlebar contact portion has a first handlebarabutment and a second handlebar abutment that is separated and spacedfrom the first handlebar abutment.

With the operating device according to the tenth aspect, it is possibleto easily stabilize the base with respect to a handlebar.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects andthe tenth aspect is configured so that the first handlebar abutment hasa first curved handlebar abutment surface and the second handlebarabutment has a second curved handlebar abutment surface that isseparated and spaced from the first curved handlebar contact surface.

With the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, it ispossible to improve the contact of the base with the handlebar.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspectsis configured so that the base including a cylinder bore defining acylinder axis that is non-perpendicularly extends with respect to thehandlebar mounting axis.

With the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it ispossible to provide the operating device with a relatively compactprofile with respect to the handlebar mounting axis.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the twelfth aspect is configured so thatthe pivot axis of the operating member is located in an area between thecylinder axis and the handlebar mounting axis as viewed in a pivot axisdirection parallel to the pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, it ispossible to provide the operating device with a relatively compactprofile in which the operating member can be easily operated from thehandlebar.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect furthercomprises a piston movably provided in the cylinder bore, the pistonbeing coupled to the operating member to be pulled in response to apivotal movement of the operating member from the rest position to theoperated position.

With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, it ispossible to easily actuate the piston using the operating member.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the fourteenth aspect further comprises apiston position adjustment operatively coupled to the piston.

With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, it ispossible to adjust an initial resting position of the piston relative tothe base in accordance with usage conditions of the hydraulic operatingdevice.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspectsis configured so that the operating member further includes an operatingmember position adjustment.

With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it ispossible to adjust an initial resting position of the operating memberrelative to the base in accordance with usage conditions of thehydraulic operating device.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenthaspects is configured so that the base includes a hose attachment portdisposed on one of a downwardly facing side and a rearwardly facing sideof the base while in the mounted state.

With the operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, it ispossible to ensure that a hydraulic hose connected to the hoseattachment port can be effectively routed.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the seventeenth aspect is configured sothat the hose attachment port is located in a ninety degree range withrespect to the cylinder axis of the cylinder bore. The ninety degreerange extends from a plane that is perpendicular to the pivot axis andthat includes the cylinder axis to a plane that is parallel to the pivotaxis and that includes the cylinder axis.

With the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, it ispossible to ensure that a hydraulic hose connected to the hoseattachment port does not extend too far away from the handlebar.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect isconfigured so that the hose attachment port has a center port axis thatis not parallel to the pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, it ispossible to ensure that a hydraulic hose connected to the hoseattachment port can be effectively routed.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, theoperating device according to any one of the seventeenth to nineteenthaspects is configured so that the hose attachment port is angled in arearward direction while in the mounted state.

With the operating device according to the twentieth aspect, it ispossible to ensure that a hydraulic hose connected to the hoseattachment port can be effectively routed.

Also, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosedoperating device will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the operatingdevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a portion of a handlebar of ahuman-powered vehicle that is equipped with a hydraulic operating devicein accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the portion of the handlebar and the hydraulicoperating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the portion of the handlebar and the hydraulicoperating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but in which an operatingmember (an operating lever) has been moved to an actuated position;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the portion of the handlebar and thehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 is a first end elevational view of the hydraulic operating deviceillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 in which the handlebar shown in crosssection;

FIG. 6 is a second end elevational view of the hydraulic operatingdevice illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 in which the handlebar shown in crosssection;

FIG. 7 is a rear side elevational view of the hydraulic operating deviceillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear side elevational view, similar to FIG. 7, of thehydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 but with theclamp removed;

FIG. 9 is a top view, similar to FIG. 2, of the portion of the handlebarand the hydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, but inwhich a handlebar mounting structure of the hydraulic operating devicehas been adjusted with respect to the base of the hydraulic operatingdevice;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic operating deviceillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 as taken along section plane perpendicularto a pivot axis of the operating member of the hydraulic operatingdevice and passing through a cylinder axis of a cylinder bore providedin a base of the hydraulic operating device;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 10, of the hydraulicoperating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, but in which the operatingmember has been moved to an actuated position;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic operating deviceillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 as taken along section plane perpendicularto the pivot axis of the brake operating member of the hydraulicoperating device and passing through a hydraulic reservoir of thehydraulic operating device;

FIG. 13 is an end elevational view, similar to FIG. 4 of the hydraulicoperating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 in which the handlebarmounting structure of the hydraulic operating device is shown in crosssection;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the hydraulic operatingdevice illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 taken along section line 14-14 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the hydraulic operatingdevice illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 taken along section line 15-15 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the hydraulic operatingdevice illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 taken along section line 16-16 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the portion of the handlebar and the hydraulicoperating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, but in which anotherdevice has been attached to the handlebar mounting structure of thehydraulic operating device;

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the hydraulic operating deviceand the other device illustrated in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a portion of the handlebar of thehuman-powered vehicle that is equipped with a hydraulic operating devicein accordance with a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the human-poweredvehicle field from this disclosure that the following descriptions ofthe embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for thepurpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 4, an operating device 10 is providedfor a human-powered vehicle V in accordance with a first illustrativeembodiment. Here, in the illustrated embodiments, the operating device10 is a hydraulic operating device that is provided for thehuman-powered vehicle V. The operating device 10 is mounted to ahandlebar H of the human-powered vehicle V. Here, the human-poweredvehicle V is preferably a bicycle. Thus, the operating device 10 is abicycle hydraulic brake operating device. Hereinafter, the operatingdevice 10 is consistently referred as the hydraulic operating device 10.

The hydraulic operating device 10 is fluidly connected to a hydraulicoperated device (not shown) by a hydraulic hose 12. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, the hydraulic operating device 10 is a right-hand sidehydraulic brake actuating device that is operated by the rider's righthand from a rest or non-operated position (FIGS. 1 and 2) to an operatedposition (FIG. 3) for actuating the hydraulic operated device such as adisc brake caliper. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicyclefield that the configuration of the hydraulic operating device 10 can beadapted to a left-hand side hydraulic brake actuating device that isoperated by the rider's left hand. Also, the hydraulic operating device10 can be used with other vehicle components other than a disc brakecaliper.

The hydraulic operating device 10 basically comprises a base 14, anoperating member 16 and a handlebar mounting structure 18. Here, thehandlebar mounting structure 18 is adjustably coupled to the base 14. Asexplained below, the handlebar mounting structure 18 is adjustablymounted to the base 14 in an axial direction D1 (indicated by the symbol“⊗” in FIGS. 5 and 6) that is parallel to a handlebar mounting axis A1by loosening the handlebar mounting structure 18 and then re-tighteningthe handlebar mounting structure 18. Also, as explained below, thehandlebar mounting structure 18 is adjustably coupled to the base 14around the handlebar mounting axis A1 by loosening the handlebarmounting structure 18 and then re-tightening the handlebar mountingstructure 18.

The operating member 16 is pivotally coupled to the base 14 about apivot axis P1 between a rest position (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to 10) andan operated position (see FIGS. 3 and 11). Here, as seen in FIGS. 10 and11, the pivot axis P1 of the operating member 16 is located in an areabetween a cylinder axis A2 and the handlebar mounting axis A1 as viewedin a pivot axis direction D2, which is parallel to the pivot axis P1.The pivot axis direction D2 is indicated by the symbol “⊗” in FIGS. 4and 10 to 12. Preferably, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, a linear distanceL1 (shortest distance) between the pivot axis P1 and the handlebarmounting axis A1 as viewed in the pivot axis direction D2 is in a rangefrom fifteen millimeters to thirty millimeters. Here, in the firstembodiment, the linear distance L1 is twenty-one millimeters.

In the first embodiment, as mentioned above, the hydraulic operatingdevice 10 is mounted to the handlebar (bicycle handlebar) H by thehandlebar mounting structure 18 as seen in FIGS. 1 to 6. In particular,the handlebar mounting structure 18 is coupled to the base 14. Thehandlebar mounting structure 18 defines the handlebar mounting axis A1that extends linearly along the handlebar H in a mounted state in whichthe base 14 is mounted to the handlebar H by the handlebar mountingstructure 18. The handlebar mounting axis A1 substantially coincideswith a longitudinal center axis of the handlebar H in the mountingstate.

The base 14 includes a handlebar contact portion 20. The handlebarcontact portion 20 is configured to contact the handlebar H in a mountedstate in which the base 14 is mounted to the handlebar H by thehandlebar mounting structure 18. The handlebar contact portion 20 isspaced from the handlebar mounting structure 18 in an axial direction D1that is parallel to the handlebar mounting axis A1. In the firstembodiment, the handlebar contact portion 20 has a first handlebarabutment 21 and a second handlebar abutment 22. The second handlebarabutment 22 is separated and spaced from the first handlebar abutment 21in the axial direction D1 that is parallel to the handlebar mountingaxis A1. Preferably, as in the first embodiment, the handlebar mountingstructure 18 is arranged between the first handlebar abutment 21 and thesecond handlebar abutment 22. In the first embodiment, the base 14includes a main body 24. The first handlebar abutment 21 and the secondhandlebar abutment 22 are integrally formed with the main body 24. Themain body 24 includes a non-handlebar contact portion 24 a that extendsbetween the first and second handlebar abutments 21 and 22 such that thesecond handlebar abutment 22 is separated and spaced from the firsthandlebar abutment 21 by the non-handlebar contact portion 24 a.

Preferably, as in the first embodiment, the first handlebar abutment 21has a first curved handlebar abutment surface 21 a, and the secondhandlebar abutment 22 has a second curved handlebar abutment surface 22a. The second curved handlebar abutment surface 22 a is separated andspaced from the first curved handlebar contact surface 21 a. Thecurvatures of the first and second curved handlebar abutment surfaces 21a and 22 a are the same in the first embodiment. Preferably, thecurvatures of the first and second curved handlebar abutment surfaces 21a and 22 a are substantially the same as the curvature of the handlebarH or slightly larger than the curvature of the handlebar H. In this way,the first and second curved handlebar abutment surfaces 21 a and 22 acan firmly contact the handlebar H at two locations when the hydraulicoperating device 10 is in a mounted state in which the base 14 ismounted to the handlebar H by the handlebar mounting structure 18.

Here, as seen in FIGS. 9 to 11, the base 14 has a guide 26 that extendsin the axial direction D1. The guide 26 is integrally formed with themain body 24 and extends between the first and second handlebarabutments 21 and 22. Thus, the guide 26 is located between the firsthandlebar abutment 21 and the second handlebar abutment 22. Thehandlebar mounting structure 18 is adjustably coupled to the guide 26 inthe axial direction D1 that is parallel to the handlebar mounting axisA1. The guide 26 has a convex surface 26 a and a concave surface 26 b.The convex surface 26 a is engaged by the handlebar mounting structure18 when the handlebar mounting structure 18 attaches the base 14 to thehandlebar H. In the mounted state in which the base 14 is mounted to thehandlebar H by the handlebar mounting structure 18, the concave surface26 b faces the handlebar H but does not contact the handlebar H. Inparticular, the concave surface 26 b is offset away from the first andsecond curved handlebar abutment surfaces 21 a and 22 a such that a gapis formed between the handlebar H and the concave surface 26 b while thehydraulic operating device 10 is mounted to the handlebar H. In thisway, the guide 26 also forms a non-handlebar contact portion of the base14.

As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiments, the hydraulicoperating device 10 is a hydraulic operating device. In such a case, asseen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the base 14 including a cylinder bore 30 thatdefines the cylinder axis A2. The cylinder bore 30 is provided in themain body 24 of the base 14. Preferably, a linear distance L2 (FIGS. 10and 12) between the pivot axis P1 and the cylinder axis A2 as viewed inthe pivot axis direction D2 is in a range from three millimeters tofifteen millimeters. Here, in the first embodiment, the linear distance(shortest distance) L2 is seven and one-half millimeters.

Here, the cylinder axis A2 is non-perpendicularly extends with respectto the handlebar mounting axis A1. as viewed in the pivot axis directionD2 that is parallel to the pivot axis P1 of the operating member 16.Also, the cylinder axis A2 is not parallel to the handlebar mountingaxis A1 of the handlebar arrangement area A as viewed in the pivot axisdirection D2. The cylinder axis A2 of the cylinder bore 30 is inclinedtowards the handlebar mounting axis A1 as the cylinder bore 30 extendsaway from the pivot axis as viewed in the pivot axis direction D2parallel to the pivot axis P1. In other words, the cylinder axis A2diverges away from the handlebar mounting axis A1 in an actuationdirection of the piston 32 (i.e., a right side direction in theillustrated embodiment). Preferably, as in the first embodiment, thecylinder axis A2 and the handlebar mounting axis A1 form an inclinationangle θ in a range from one degrees to twenty-five degrees. Morepreferably, the inclination angle θ is in a range from five degrees tofifteen degrees. In the first embodiment, the inclination angle θ is tendegrees.

The hydraulic operating device 10 further comprises a piston 32 that ismovably provided in the cylinder bore 30. The cylinder bore 30 has afirst cylindrical portion 30 a and a second cylindrical portion 30 b.The first cylindrical portion 30 a is larger in diameter than the secondcylindrical portion 30 b. The piston 32 is inserted into the cylinderbore 30 from an open end of the first cylindrical portion 30 a. Thepiston 32 is provided with a first annular sealing ring 34A and a secondannular sealing ring 34B. The first annular sealing ring 34A is providedon the piston 32 for sealing off the open end of the first cylindricalportion 30 a of the cylinder bore 30. The second annular sealing ring34B is provided on the base 14 for sealing off the open end of thesecond cylindrical portion 30 b of the cylinder bore 30. The first andsecond annular sealing rings 34A and 34B are preferably elastomeric(e.g., rubber) O-rings that have uniform cross sectional profiles. Thefirst annular sealing ring 34A slidably contacts an internal surface ofthe first cylindrical portion 30 a of the cylinder bore 30. The secondannular sealing ring 34B slidably contacts the piston 32. The cylinderbore 30 and the first and second annular sealing rings 34A and 34B ofthe piston 32 defines a hydraulic pressure chamber 36 that changes insize in response to the operation of the operating member 16. Thehydraulic pressure chamber 36 is filled with a hydraulic fluid such as amineral oil.

A biasing element 38 is disposed in the cylinder bore 30, and biases thepiston 32 to a non-actuated (rest or non-operated) position. Here, thebiasing element 38 is a coil compression spring that biases the piston32 to the non-actuated position. The biasing element 38 also biases theoperating member 16 to its rest position (i.e., no external forceapplied to the operating member 16). Thus, the piston 32 compresses thebiasing element 38 as the piston 32 moves in the cylinder bore 30 inresponse to an operation of the operating member 16.

The piston 32 is operatively coupled to the operating member 16 to movethe piston 32 within the cylinder bore 30 in response to operation ofthe operating member 16. Namely, as seen in FIG. 11, the piston 32 iscoupled to the operating member 16 to be pulled in response to a pivotalmovement of the operating member 16 from the rest position to theoperated position. The piston 32 moves linearly along the cylinder axisA2 within the cylinder bore 30 in response to operation of the operatingmember 16.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the operating member 16 includes anoperating lever 40. Preferably, the operating member 16 further includesan actuator 42 and a connecting link 44. Here, the operating lever 40and the actuator 42 are pivotally mounted relative to the base 14 by apivot pin 46 from the rest (non-operated) position (FIG. 10) to theoperated position (FIG. 11). The connecting link 44 operatively couplesthe piston 32 to the operating lever 40 and the actuator 42. Here, theconnecting link 44 has a first end pivotally connected to the actuator42 and a second end pivotally connected to the piston 32. In this way,the piston 32 is operatively coupled to the operating lever 40. However,the piston 32 can be operatively coupled to the operating lever 40 inother ways.

The operating lever 40 includes a mounting portion 40 a and a leverportion 40 b as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. The mounting portion 40 a ofthe operating lever 40 is pivotally mounted relative to the base 14 bythe pivot pin 46. The lever portion 40 b of the operating lever 40extends from the mounting portion 40 a to a distal free end 40 c of theoperating lever 40.

As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the lever portion 40 b of the operatinglever 40 has a user contact surface 48. The user contact surface 48 iselongated in a direction D3 that is not parallel to a plane PL1 that isperpendicular to the pivot axis P1 and that includes the cylinder axisA2. More specifically, the lever portion 40 b of the operating lever 40has a connecting section 40 b 1 and a user contact section 40 b 2 (FIG.9). The connecting section 40 b 1 extends directly between the mountingportion 40 a (FIG. 10) and the user contact section 40 b 2 of the leverportion 40 b. The user contact section 40 b 2 includes the user contactsurface 48, which extends from the connecting section 40 b 1 to thedistal free end 40 c. The connecting section 40 b 1 is elongated in adirection parallel to the plane PL1. Thus, the user contact section 40 b2 is angled with respect to the connecting section 40 b 1. Here, theuser contact section 40 b 2 is angled downward with respect to theconnecting section 40 b 1 when the hydraulic operating device 10 is in amounted state in which the base 14 is mounted to the handlebar H by thehandlebar mounting structure 18. Thus, the user contact surface 40 b 1is not parallel to the cylinder axis A2.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the operating member 16 further includesan operating member position adjustment 50. The operating memberposition adjustment 50 is also called a reach adjustment. In otherwords, the operating member position adjustment 50 adjusts the restposition or non-actuated position of the operating lever 40 relative tothe base 14. In this way, the distance or reach between the user contactsurface 48 of the operating lever 40 and the handlebar H can beadjusted. Basically, the operating member position adjustment 50 changesa relative position between the operating lever 40 and the actuator 42.

The operating member position adjustment 50 includes an adjustmentmember 52 and a biasing element 54. Here, in the first embodiment, theadjustment member 52 is a set screw that is threaded into a threadedbore 40 a 1 of the mounting portion 40 a of the operating lever 40. Thebiasing element 54 is a torsion spring having a coiled portion mountedon a pivot pin of the connecting link 44. A first leg of the biasingelement 54 contacts the mounting portion 40 a of the operating lever 40and a second of the biasing element 54 contacts the actuator 42. In thisway, the biasing element 54 applies a biasing force between the mountingportion 40 a of the operating lever 40 and the actuator 42 forcing theadjustment member 52 (e.g., the set screw) against the actuator 42. As aresult of the biasing force of the biasing element 54, the operatinglever 40 and the actuator 42 move as a rigid unit when the operatinglever 40 is operated from the rest position to the operated position. Ifthe operating member position adjustment 50 is not used, then theactuator 42 can be omitted and the operating lever 40 is connected tothe connecting link 44.

Also, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the hydraulic operating device 10further comprises a piston position adjustment 56 that is operativelycoupled to the piston 32. Here, the piston position adjustment 56includes a piston adjustment member 56 a rotatably attached to the base14. The piston position adjustment 56 further includes a threaded hole56 b formed in the base 14. Here, the piston adjustment member 56 a is aset screw having an external thread threadedly engaged with an internalthread of the threaded hole 56 b. The piston adjustment member 56 a isin contact with the actuator 42. In particular, the actuator 42 ispressed against the piston adjustment member 56 a by the biasing element38. The tip end of the piston adjustment member 56 a acts as anadjustable stop for the actuator 42 of the operating lever 40. Rotationof the piston adjustment member 56 a pivots the actuator 42 relative tothe base 14 about the pivot axis P1. This adjustment changes the initialposition of the piston 32 relative to the base 14. This adjustment alsochanges the rest position of the operating member 16 relative to thebase 14 since the piston 32 is connected to the operating lever 40 bythe connecting link 44. Alternatively, the piston adjustment member 56 acan be arranged to press directly against the piston 32.

As seen in FIG. 13, the handlebar mounting structure 18 includes a clampband 60, a bracket 62 and a tightening member 64. The clamp band 60 ispreferably a metal strap that is bent into an annular member. The clampband 60 is looped around the guide 26. The tightening member 64adjustably couples the bracket 62 relative to the clamp band 60. Thebracket 62 is moved relative to the clamp band 60 upon adjustment of thetightening member 64. In other words, the tightening member 64 istightened and loosened to move the bracket 62 relative to the clamp band60. The bracket 62 is separate from the base 14.

The bracket 62 is rigid member made of a suitable material such as ametallic material or a hard-plastic material. The bracket 62 has ahandlebar contact surface 66. The handlebar contact surface 66 isconfigured to contact the handlebar H when the tightening member 64 istightened. Namely, when the tightening member 64 is tightened, thetightening member 64 pulls the clamp band 60 towards the bracket 62 sothat the handlebar contact surface 66 firmly contacts the handlebar H.Here, the handlebar contact surface 66 includes a first contact surface66 a and a second contact surface 66 b (FIG. 12). The second contactsurface 66 b is separated from the first contact surface 66 a in theaxial direction D1 that is parallel to the handlebar mounting axis A1.Here, the first contact surface 66 a and the second contact surface 66 bare connected by a connection portion 62 a (FIGS. 4 and 7). The firstcontact surface 66 a, the second contact surface 66 b and the connectionportion 62 a are integrally formed as a single piece. The connectionportion 62 a has an opening 62 b (FIG. 13) for receiving the tighteningmember 64. Here, the tightening member 64 includes a threaded bolt 64 aand a nut 64 b. The nut 64 b has a threaded bore with an internal threadthat is screwed onto an external thread of the threaded bolt 64 a.

As seen in FIG. 14, the base 14 includes a hose attachment port 70 thatis disposed on one of a downwardly facing side and a rearwardly facingside of the base 14 while in the mounted state. The hose attachment port70 is in fluid communication with the cylinder bore 30 such thathydraulic fluid can flow from and into the cylinder bore 30 via the hoseattachment port 70. The hose attachment port 70 has an internal thread70 a for threadedly receiving a banjo bolt 72 to attach a hose connector12 a of the hydraulic hose 12 to the base 14. Namely, the banjo bolt 72is screwed into the hose attachment port 70 to both attach the hoseconnector 12 a of the hydraulic hose 12 to the base 14 and fluidlyconnect the hydraulic hose 12 to the cylinder bore 30. The banjo bolt 72includes a center bore and at least one radial bore connected to thecenter bore for creating a hydraulic fluid passageway through the banjobolt 72 in a conventional manner.

Preferably, the hose attachment port 70 has a center port axis A3 thatis not parallel to the pivot axis P1. Here, in the first embodiment, thehose attachment port 70 is angled in a rearward direction while in themounted state. In other words, the center port axis A3 of the hoseattachment port 70 extends out of an exterior opening of the hoseattachment port 70 in a rearward direction underneath the handlebarmounting structure 18. While it is preferable to have the hoseattachment port 70 angled in the rearward direction, the arrangement ofthe hose attachment port 70 is not limited to this rearward orientationof the hose attachment port 70. It is contemplated that the hoseattachment port 70 is located in a ninety degree range R1 with respectto a cylinder axis A2 of the cylinder bore 30. The ninety degree rangeR1 extends from the plane PL1 that is perpendicular to the pivot axis P1and that includes the cylinder axis A2 to a plane PL2 that is parallelto the pivot axis P1 and that includes the cylinder axis A2. In otherwords, the ninety degree range R1 is defined by an arc centered on thecylinder axis A2 and extending between the planes PL1 and PL2. However,it is more preferred that the hose attachment port 70 is located in aforty-five degree range R2 with respect to the cylinder axis A2 of thecylinder bore 30 where the forty-five degree range R2 extends forty-fivedegrees from the plane PL2 in a direction towards the handlebar mountingstructure 18. In this way, the hydraulic hose 12 can be easily routedunderneath the handlebar H.

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 14 to 16, in the first embodiment, the hydraulicoperating device 10 further comprises a hydraulic reservoir 74 that isconnected to the cylinder bore 30. The hydraulic reservoir 74 is filledwith a hydraulic fluid such as a mineral oil. As seen in FIG. 12, thehydraulic reservoir 74 is offset from the handlebar mounting structure18 as viewed in the pivot axis direction D2. Preferably, the hydraulicreservoir 74 is an elongated chamber that that extends along thecylinder bore 30. Namely, the hydraulic reservoir 74 has a longitudinalaxis A4 that is parallel to the cylinder axis A2 of the cylinder bore30.

As seen in FIGS. 14 to 16, the hydraulic reservoir 74 is disposed abovethe cylinder bore 30 while in the mounted state. The hydraulic reservoir74 is fluidly connected to the cylinder bore 30. Here, the hydraulicfluid within the hydraulic reservoir 74 is supplied to the cylinder bore30 via a first fluid port 76 as seen in FIGS. 12 and 16. The first fluidport 76 is at least partially open to the cylinder bore 30 while thepiston 32 is in the rest position (i.e., the operating member 16 is in anon-operated or rest position) and the piston adjustment member 56 aadjusted to a non-contacting position with respect to the actuator 42.As seen in FIG. 12, the hydraulic reservoir 74 is further fluidlyconnected to the cylinder bore 30 by a plurality of second fluid ports78 while the piston 32 is in the rest position. Here, in the firstembodiment, the base 14 has three of the second fluid ports 78.

Optionally, a diaphragm can be provided in the hydraulic reservoir 74 asneeded and/or desired. Also, optionally, the base 14 can be providedwith a bleed valve that is fluidly connected to the hydraulic fluidchamber 36 of the hydraulic reservoir 74.

During movement of the piston 32 in response to operation of theoperating member 16, hydraulic pressure is generated in the cylinderbore 30 through the movement of the piston 32. In particular, the piston32 moves linearly within the cylinder bore 30 to force the hydraulicfluid out of the cylinder bore 30 via the hose attachment port 70 to thehydraulic operated device (e.g., the braking device) via the hydraulichose 12.

As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the bracket 62 is configured to be coupledto at least one other device 80. In particular, in the first embodiment,the other device 80 is a bicycle component that is mounted to thebracket 62 using the tightening member 64. Namely, the other device 80has a mounting portion 80 a that receives the tightening member 64.Here, the other device 80 is a single levered operating device tooperate one of a suspension and a height adjustable seat post. However,the other device 80 can be configured as an operating device having aplurality of levers to operate a bicycle transmission. Namely, the otherdevice 80 can be configured as a shifter.

Referring now to FIG. 19, an operating device 110 is illustrated inaccordance with a second embodiment. The operating device 110 is ahydraulic operating device that is provided for the human-poweredvehicle V. The operating device 110 basically comprises a base 114, anoperating member 116 and a handlebar mounting structure 118. Basically,the operating device 110 is identical to the hydraulic operating device10 except for the structures for adjustably mounting the handlebarmounting structure 118 to the base 114 and the handlebar.

The base 114 is identical to the base 14, except that the guide 26 ofthe base 14 has been omitted and replaced with a guide 114 a. Here, theguide 114 a is a pair of grooves. The guide 114 a (e.g., the grooves)extend parallel to the handlebar mounting axis A1 so that the base 114can be adjusted parallel to the handlebar mounting axis A1. Thus, thecylinder axis A2 is angled relative to the handlebar mounting axis A1 asdiscussed above with respect to the first embodiment. Otherwise, thebase 114 is identical to the base 14.

The operating member 116 is identical to the operating member 16, exceptthat the operating lever 40 and the actuator 42 are a one-piece membersuch that the operating member position adjustment 50 is omitted in theoperating device 110. Otherwise, the operating member 116 is identicalto the operating member 16.

In the second embodiment, the handlebar mounting structure 118 includesa first clamp part 161, a second clamp part 163 and a tightening member165. Here, the first tightening member 165 is a fixing bolt. The firstclamp part 161 and the second clamp part 163 are basically mirror imagesof each other except that the first clamp part 161 has a through borefor receiving the tightening member 165 therethrough while the secondclamp part 163 has a threaded bore for threadedly receiving thetightening member 165. The first and second clamp parts 161 and 163 arefastened together by the first and second tightening member 165. Thefirst clamp part 161 includes a first curved handlebar contact surface161 a, while the second clamp part 163 includes a second curvedhandlebar contact surface 163 a. The first curved handlebar contactsurface 161 a and the second curved handlebar contact surface 163 a areclamped to the handlebar H by tightening the first tightening member165. The first clamp part 161 further includes a first engagement part161 b, while the second clamp part 163 includes a second engagement part163 b. The first and second engagement parts 161 b and 163 b are clampedto the base 114 by tightening the tightening member 165. The first andsecond engagement parts 161 b and 163 b are disposed in the guide 114 a(e.g., the grooves) such that the position of the base 114 relative tothe handlebar mounting structure 118 can be adjusted by loosening andretightening the tightening member 165.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms “frame facing side”,“non-frame facing side”, “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, “up”,“down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”,“vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and “transverse” as well asany other similar directional terms refer to those directions of abicycle in an upright, riding position and equipped with the hydraulicoperating device. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized todescribe the hydraulic operating device should be interpreted relativeto a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface andthat is equipped with the hydraulic operating device. The terms “left”and “right” are used to indicate the “right” when referencing from theright side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and the “left” whenreferencing from the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one ormore” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of”as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both oftwo choices” if the number of its choices is two. For another example,the phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only onesingle choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices”if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three.

Also, it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”may be used herein to describe various components, these componentsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a firstcomponent discussed above could be termed a second component and viceversa without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompassesconfigurations in which an element is directly secured to anotherelement by affixing the element directly to the other element;configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the otherelement by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which inturn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which oneelement is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This definition also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Finally, terms ofdegree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as usedherein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that theend result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise,the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components canbe changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do notsubstantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically statedotherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contactingeach other can have intermediate structures disposed between them solong as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function.The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versaunless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions ofone embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessaryfor all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the sametime. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or incombination with other features, also should be considered a separatedescription of further inventions by the applicant, including thestructural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus,the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the presentinvention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose oflimiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising: a base including a handlebar contact portion; an operating member pivotally coupled to the base about a pivot axis between a rest position and an operated position; and a handlebar mounting structure coupled to the base, the handlebar mounting structure defining a handlebar mounting axis that extends linearly along a handlebar in a mounted state in which the base is mounted to the handlebar by the handlebar mounting structure, wherein the handlebar mounting structure includes a clamp band, a bracket separate from the base, and a tightening member adjustably coupling the bracket relative to the clamp band, the bracket has a handlebar contact surface, and the bracket is moved relative to the clamp band upon adjustment of the tightening member.
 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the handlebar contact surface includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface separated from the first contact surface in an axial direction that is parallel to the handlebar mounting axis.
 3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is configured to be coupled to at least one other device.
 4. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising a base including a handlebar contact portion having a first handlebar abutment and a second handlebar abutment that is separated and spaced from the first handlebar abutment; an operating member pivotally coupled to the base about a pivot axis between a rest position and an operated position; and a handlebar mounting structure coupled to the base, the handlebar mounting structure defining a handlebar mounting axis that extends linearly along a flat-type handlebar in a mounted state in which the base is mounted to the handlebar by the handlebar mounting structure.
 5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein the handlebar mounting structure is arranged between the first handlebar abutment and the second handlebar abutment.
 6. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein the second handlebar abutment is separated from the first handlebar abutment in an axial direction that is parallel to the handlebar mounting axis.
 7. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the handlebar mounting structure is adjustably coupled to the base.
 8. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein the base has a guide extending in the axial direction, and the handlebar mounting structure is adjustably coupled to the guide in an axial direction parallel to the handlebar mounting axis.
 9. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein the handlebar mounting structure is adjustably coupled to the base around the handlebar mounting axis.
 10. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the handlebar contact portion has a first handlebar abutment and a second handlebar abutment that is separated and spaced from the first handlebar abutment.
 11. The operating device according to claim 10, wherein the first handlebar abutment has a first curved handlebar abutment surface and the second handlebar abutment has a second curved handlebar abutment surface that is separated and spaced from the first curved handlebar contact surface.
 12. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the base including a cylinder bore defining a cylinder axis that is non-perpendicularly extends with respect to the handlebar mounting axis.
 13. The operating device according to claim 12, wherein the pivot axis of the operating member is located in an area between the cylinder axis and the handlebar mounting axis as viewed in a pivot axis direction parallel to the pivot axis.
 14. The operating device according to claim 12, further comprising a piston movably provided in the cylinder bore, the piston being coupled to the operating member to be pulled in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member from the rest position to the operated position.
 15. The operating device according to claim 14, further comprising a piston position adjustment operatively coupled to the piston.
 16. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating member further includes an operating member position adjustment.
 17. The operating device according to claim 11, wherein the base includes a hose attachment port disposed on one of a downwardly facing side and a rearwardly facing side of the base while in the mounted state.
 18. The operating device according to claim 17, wherein the hose attachment port is located in a ninety degree range with respect to the cylinder axis of the cylinder bore, and the ninety degree range extends from a plane that is perpendicular to the pivot axis and that includes the cylinder axis to a plane that is parallel to the pivot axis and that includes the cylinder axis.
 19. The operating device according to claim 17, wherein the hose attachment port has a center port axis that is not parallel to the pivot axis.
 20. The operating device according to claim 17, wherein the hose attachment port is angled in a rearward direction while in the mounted state. 